There's something life-affirming about spending time near a body of water. The sounds, sights and atmosphere can just be so refreshing and relaxing. But you don't have to travel to the ocean or lake to experience these benefits. You can enjoy water's calming and creativity-inducing effects in your own home, whether you want a natural pondscape outside or cascading waterfall dividers indoors.
While there are smaller DIY water features you could incorporate into your home, if you want to enjoy truly inspiring decor for years to come, consider hiring a contractor to build and install a water feature for you.
But where do you start? This guide will walk you through the types of water features you might want to add, indoors or outdoors.
Water features bring a variety of benefits to your home, from environmental to emotional:1
- Being in the presence of water can improve your mood, help you relax and reduce stress.
- Water features can help minimize outside noise, like the sound of outdoor traffic.
- Whether indoors or outdoors, water features have an aesthetic appeal that can be visually entrancing.
- A larger water wall or fountain can hide something you don't like, such as an outdoor element you can't remove.
- Outdoor water features can attract wildlife, including birds you might not see otherwise.2
Whether you have a smaller yard that can fit just one water feature or a large outdoor area that can accommodate streams, stepped waterfalls and other lush waterscapes, there's a water feature option that's right for you. No matter the size of your yard, you'll love the calming ambiance of water. Just make sure you Hire a contractor or landscaper to ensure the work is done right. Below are some outdoor water feature ideas.
There are so many options to choose from! You can have one or more fountains spill into your pool for a touch of elegance. Or, surround your pool with lush plants to make it feel like an oasis. Line the pool with tiles, or use tiles on one side and natural grass on the other for a unique look.3 You can even build a natural pool that uses plants for filtration.4
If hot tubs are more your style, remember that they can be part of your pool or a stand-alone feature. You can go for a traditional rectangle or oval shape, or ask your contractor for something more unique. Plant trees and shrubbery around the hot tub for natural shade, and carefully choose other features like lighting, stereo sound, aromatherapy or mini-waterfalls.5
Unused garden space can be transformed into a tranquil koi pond. These beautiful fish come in many colors and patterns, and are mesmerizing to watch.6
Your koi pond can be a minimalist water feature with cement walls and water lilies floating on top. Or, add a gentle waterfall to aerate the pond for your precious fish. Plant vegetation around the pond so your koi have shady places to stay cool. Set up chairs around the pond if you plan to spend a lot of time there.6
If you want to put a water fountain in your backyard, there are many types to choose from. Consider a statue fountain if you're looking for an artistic statement piece to become your yard's focal point. Or, have a wall fountain installed for an elegant piece that can serve a dual purpose as a retaining wall.4
A waterfall can make a stunning addition to your outdoor decor. Even if your backyard is on sloped ground, your contractor can install one that takes advantage of the downhill flow.4
If you want an eco-friendly yard, incorporate some solar-powered water features. For example, your contractor can install a solar-powered water pump in your pond or waterfall to keep the water moving and save energy.7
Water gardens, garden ponds and small streams can make your backyard feel like a lush oasis. Your pond or water garden can be designed as a natural ecosystem, with plants, fish and other critters thriving. Or go one step further and incorporate a small stream through your yard that empties into a pond. Birds and other wildlife will love the moving water.4
Why should the birds visiting your yard get anything but the very best? Combine your bird bath with a fountain for a more elegant touch.4
While outdoor water features have their allure, you may also want to add indoor water features if you have the space. These can help you relax indoors when you just need to step away, no matter what the weather might be like outside. Here are some ideas to kick-start your creativity.
A water wall may sometimes be called a wall water fountain or wall-mounted waterfall, depending on the retailer. It's a stunning visual piece that provides a touch of luxury and a calming ambiance. Make it more visually captivating with a unique mix of light and water cascading down your wall.8
If your home has two stories, try installing the wall in a place where it can be seen from multiple levels.9
This statement piece can breathe new life into your room. Depending on your budget, you can ask your contractor to build a custom water wall that's unique to your home.10
Bring the outside indoors with an indoor pond that mimics the serenity of a natural water feature. Place it in a corner of your room, and add plants, rocks and fish for a cozy spot where you can relax.8 Adding koi can be an especially nice touch since some believe they bring good luck and prosperity to your household.9
If you have an ample space that you want to divide into separate rooms, consider using a waterfall room divider. Not only is it beautiful, but it also provides natural white noise that can help the rooms feel like separate spaces.8 The divider is semitransparent, allowing light to pass through and giving your space a more open feel.9
Turn your water feature into a captivating glimpse of the natural world by installing a large aquarium in your home. For example, you can set up one that's the size and shape of a large grandfather clock to create an entrancing statement piece. Or, build a more traditional wall aquarium that creates a mesmerizing natural display.9
Depending on your available space, you might want to have an indoor pool or hot tub installed in your home. Put greenery around it to create the refreshing feel of a spa right at home.9
Water features come in all shapes and sizes, from a stunning stream running through your backyard to a cascading waterfall that divides two rooms indoors. The beauty of choosing water features is that they're truly versatile and can be custom-designed to fit perfectly in your indoor or outdoor space. Take time to explore the options available to you so you can create an optimal sense of tranquility where you need it most.